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Writer's pictureAjani Stella

Geothermal Energy Is Being Promoted

Updated: Sep 4, 2018

Geothermal energy used for heating is increasing, thanks to a Google startup company called Dandelion. Only about 500,000 buildings in all of America use geothermal heating systems. Dandelion is trying to expand that market.


Geothermal heat coming from the Earth in one of many hot springs

Price Cuts: Government

On February 10, 2018, Congress voted to extend a federal tax credit for geothermal heat pump installation. This, combined with different state incentives, makes geothermal heating more competitive with pricing for regular heating systems.


Similar to solar panels, geothermal energy cuts monthly heating prices, and of course, greenhouse gas emissions.



Price Cuts Are Giving Incentive

With heating oil prices rising, geothermal heat pumps are becoming more and more popular. One man, Matt VanDerlofske, spent $4,000 on fuel oil to heat his drafty, two-story home for the season in upstate New York.

That was twice what I typically paid. I never wanted it to happen again.

To solve the problem, he had a hole drilled hundreds of feet into his backyard and a geothermal heat pump installed. This solution is becoming more and more common in America.



Increased Generation

As a result of the Google startup company and the tax incentives, geothermal energy generation is increasing.


Geothermal energy capacity in America, 1975-2016 in megawatts

Geothermal energy capacity in the world, 1975-2016 in megawatts

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